About Census & Demographic statistics

The Census is required by the U.S. Constitution:

"Representation and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers ... . The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct."

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the Decennial Census every 10 years as well as a number of other useful surveys such as the American Community Survey and the Economic Census.

The U.S. Census Bureau is a great source of demographic data, but it's not the only source. If the Census doesn't have the data you want, it may be collected by another government agency, poll or research project.

A Marriott Library Subject Specialist can help you get started using U.S. Census Data:

Try the basic sources listed in this guide

Register for a free, one hour Census data workshop offered each semester at the Marriott Library

Request a presentation on Census data for your class.

Request a consultation appointment with a subject specialist for personal help

Learn about Your Community with Census Demographics

Mission: To develop and share economic, demographic and public policy data and research that help individuals and the community make informed decisions.
Demography Utah collects, stores and disseminates a growing selection of demographic, socioeconomic and other data about Utah.

Census in the classroom

The Demography Certificate consists of five courses for a total of 15 semester hours. Demography is fundamental to principles taught in numerous degree programs at The University of Utah including economics, geography, sociology, anthropology, epidemiology, business, biology, family and consumer studies, public health, public policy, urban planning, and history.